I am a loyal Avicii fan and am so sad I will most likely never had the chance to see him live as my Swedish heartthrob is retiring at the ripe old age of 26-years old. (Wahhhh!)

So I wanted to include his music in one more playlist this year to celebrate his magical producing abilities. You’re welcome!

The rest of this list is my usual mix of old and new (filled with tons of 90s tunes, of course.) Let me know what you think and please leave some song suggestions in the comments below or on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik. Now load up that smartphone and get to working out!

Thanks!

Superlove:Avicii with Lenny Kravitz

This song is almost THE perfect warm-up for an indoor cycling class in like, ever. It has this great beat that has a European vibe and then the drums kick in and BAM! The pace quickens and you peddle like mad. Then it gets kind of quiet and Lenny Kravitz’ voice takes over. Trust me—this is a dope jam.

Are You Gonna be My Girl: JET

How is it possible this song is actually 13-years old? (Makes me wistful for 2003…)

California Love:2Pac

My favorite thing about using this song is the expression on people’s faces while it plays. CaliforniaLove is a uniter not a divider!

Supersoaker:Kings of Leon

I love this one for sprints out of the saddle in 30, 20 and 10 second intervals in case you are wondering what to do with it.

On the Road Again:Canned Heat

This is my first “climb” song for the ride and I love how trippy it sounds over the speakers. The beat is consistent and motivating as well. Don’t be afraid to try it out on your students!

Supermassive Black Hole:Muse

The singer, Matt Bellamy, rocks out with a cool falsetto in this number I remember from the Twilight movie (don’t judge!)

Let me Entertain You:Robbie Williams

If you are not familiar with the awesomeness of Robbie Williams—start with this song. He kills it live, by the way.

My Moon My Man:Feist

I use this for “out of the saddle” climbs and the best part is the past part of the song which ends with a weird “walk off.” (Download it and you will see what I mean!)

Gold, Girls, Guns: Metric

As the biggest fan of Metric in the U.S. I will keep including them in playlists until they take off around the world.

It’s All Been Done:Barenaked Ladies

This band achieves a neat trick—they are in real life hilarious and great as a band. Only The Monkees do it better.

Stupid Girl:Garbage

Shirley Manson is one of my favorite singers of all time and this tune in particular rocks my socks off.

The Impression That I Get:The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

I always time for this loud and raucous song that screams 90s.

Baby, I Love Your Way:Peter Frampton

It’s summer when I am writing up this playlist and nothing says “sum-ah” more to me than listening to some Frampton. Enjoy!

That’s it for me this time. What are your new favorite tunes to check out!

It has been quite a hot week in New York and I have been busier than usual in both my work life and “real” life but as always I am happy to do my weekly check-in with all of you. So instead of babbling on and on—let’s dive right in to this week’s news bits (which includes a giveaway & discount code from Momentum workout jewelry) and then head into this week’s Vlog (my 88th!)

She’s Nacho Mama’s Podcast: Power to the Margos! The lovely Margo of She’s Nacho Mama Podcast had me once again as a guest on her show to talk all about Fitbloggin in Savannah and it was a hoot! First of all we were both obsessed with The Pink House and Jim Williams who was the main subject featured in the non-fiction book Midnight In the Garden of Good & Evil (Kevin Spacey played him in the utterly forgettable Clint Eastwood film.) The two Margos talk about our daily exploits during the convention, our favorite meals, the hot weather, my messy hair, her ice cream-stained outfit and more in this rollicking hour. Thank you so much Margo for having me on your show!

Manhattanhenge: What is Manhattanhenge? Well basically there are only two nights each year where the sun sets along New York City and the sun aligns perfectly between the buildings. My awesome big brother Joe suggested we go together and we started at the Tudor City Bridge overpass on 42nd street which quickly became too crowded so he suggested we watch from the street. At first I played the role of his mother and scolded him for walking into traffic to get a better look. But soon enough we were both standing in the middle of the street getting our shot in. See!

Look, up in the sky! It’s a sunset!

I have a video of the moment as well where you can hear me squealing with delight. It was just so cool!!!

Motivate Giveaway: Motivate was created by Amy Cochrane who wanted to offer workout lovers wearable jewelry to the gym (or on the road) to both inspire and look cool. Motivate has dozens of options for both colors and slogans you want to wear on your wrist (the Motivate Wrap) or shoe laces (Foot Notes shoe charm) and all of the work is top notch. Even better than looking great—they are SO comfortable to wear. You will not have something that feels scratchy or binding on your wrist and it will give just that hint of extra awesome when you need a little extra motivation.

I am hosting a giveaway on my Blog this week but if you are looking to order one on your own be sure to visit their website http://www.designsthatmoveyou.com/ and use the code GGS 158 to get an extra 15% off up until September 15, 2014. Score!

Motivate will send the Motivate Wrap and Foot Notes to the winner directly and did not pay for this post. They will handle all shipping and details about the winning items.

Now on to this week’s Vlog and Motivate giveaway details!

Be sure to follow Motivate at the following places:

facebook: /designsthatmoveyou

twitter: @MomentumJewelry

pinterest: /momentumjewelry

instagram: momentumjewelry

If you want to win this giveaway you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Post a comment on Twitter that says “I want to win the Motivate Wrap and shoe charm @momentumjewelry from @brooklynfitchik”

I will pick one winner at random on Monday, July 21st at NOON Eastern Time and contact them directly. Good luck and enter as often as you like! (I suggest you use all social media outlets to up your chances!)

How are you all doing? I am fine and dandy in spirit but my right hamstring is sprained, strained or just in a bad mood because my leg is not feeling well. Will start with the foam rolling soon but first I need to get out this post for all of you today. You’re welcome! Just a couple of quick notes today and then on to my weekly giveaway—and away we go! (Quoting Billy Eichner here.)

SELF magazine is changing y’all: So it looks like a week after enduring terrible press after “Tutu-gate” (look it up online—SELF & Tutus and check it out for yourself if you do not know what I am talking about) editor in chief Lucy Danziger is out and in her place SELF has hired Joyce Chang from Cosmopolitan magazine to take over the reins. I am withholding all judgment until I read her first “real issue and will also hold off on any full reviews of SELF until then. (The magazine business is rough, folks!)

20-Minute Indoor Cycling Workout: I am a Sweat Pink ambassador and am lucky enough to write for their Blog www.sweatguru.com This past week posted my first workout for them– a 20-minute indoor cycling routine. Please let me know what you think of it because I am totally new to writing these things out!

Xtend Barre Brooklyn Heights: This past week I was lucky enough to try out my first Xtend barre workout in their new Brooklyn Heights studio. Will give you more details when my article is ready on Fit Bottomed Girls.

Runner’s World Giveaway: This week I am giving away a copy of Big Book of Running for Beginners which comes courtesy of the folks at Runner’s World magazine. I am giving away one copy this week and Runner’s World (who did not pay for this promotion) will send the winning item directly to the randomly picked winner (chosen by me.) Continental U.S. only!

Now let’s get to this week’s Vlog:

Okay—here are more details about this week’s giveaway.

GET FIT WITH THE RUNNER’S WORLD BIG BOOK OF RUNNING FOR BEGINNERS

In Bookstores April 8, 2014

Running is one of the simplest and most effective want to lose weight, live longer, gain confidence, and relieve stress. Learn everything a beginner needs to know to lace ‘em up and hit the pavement with the latest book from Rodale Inc.’s Runner’s World magazine. The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners (April 8, 2014; ISBN 978-1-60961-537-6; 266pgs; Paperback; $21.99) provides all the information neophytes will need to take their first steps.

The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners helps readers foster a healthy lifestyle with aides such as:

Five training plans to start walking, start running, run nonstop, run faster, and run longer

No-fail weight-loss strategies

Ideas for meals and snacks to eat before you run, on the road, and after you’re done

Injury-prevention tips including a guide on which pains to run through and which pains demand surrender

Inspirational stories from people who used running as a tool to lose weight, stop smoking, overcome illness and heartache, and manage chronic pain

Whether starting from scratch, or trying to reclaim a long-lost sense of vitality, The Runner’s World Big Book of Running for Beginners has all the information a newbie needs to start a healthier and happier life.

About the Authors

JENNIFER VAN ALLEN is a special projects editor for Runner’s World and a running coach certified by USATF and RRCA. She manages The Starting Line, an online training program for beginners.

BART YASSO is the author of My Life on the Run and is the chief running officer at Runner’s World.

AMBY BURFOOT, Runner’s World editor-at-large and winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, has run more than 105,000 lifetime miles (and counting).

Rodale’s Runner’s World, the largest and most influential media brand in the running space, is the essential guide for everyone who runs. The brand provides all runners—men and women, from beginners to hardcore marathoners—with the advice and information they need to pursue their goals, the inspiration and entertainment they crave, and a sense of authentic community they won’t find anywhere else. Runner’s World is everywhere its readers and customers are—in print, online, on-screen and on the ground. Through authentic events such as the award-winning Runner’s World Challenge, the Runner’s World Half & Festival (www.RWHalf.com), and the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival (www.HHHalf.com), Runner’s World editors forge deep connections and have meaningful interactions with our readers as an organic part of the running community. Runner’s World publishes 18 international editions: Argentina (March 2014), Australia/New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. For digital updates, visit www.runnersworld.com, Twitter (@runnersworld), Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine), as well as the brand’s mobile apps.

If you want to win this giveaway you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win Big Book of Running for Beginners @runnersworld from @brooklynfitchik”

You know what they say about the month of March? It comes it like a lion and lout like a lamb. Hopefully that is true (well the leaving quietly part) because we are set to get YET ANOTHER winter storm here. (Wah!!!!!!) I know I have said this before but this weather is completely unacceptable. Can we veto it somehow? Just vote it out of office so that from now on we have kind of a chilly autumn that gradually turns into Spring?

I am going to work on this but in the meantime-here is my Vlog post for the week featuring the following:

I talk about learning to say goodbye to wonderful students and handling the more challenging ones (would love to hear feedback from other instructors out there on how you deal with “rule-breakers.” True story—I had a student today use her cell phone three times in my class this morning! Honestly—where do people learn their manners? However—my day ended today with one student giving me her own “mix CD” because she likes the music I use in my classes. Aw!

The newest Terry Bicycles catalog is out and is filled with pages that give me the “I wants.” Be sure to sign up for their online mailing list to get the latest steals and deals!

Jessica Smith Workout DVD Giveaway

I have a fantastic giveaway this week—two brand-new DVDs from ace trainer Jessica Smith! Jessica has been featured in all of the top women’s health magazines and is a You Tube star who lost 40 pounds on her own and is passionate about helping others get healthy. Her latest offerings are: Barre Fitness with Jessica Smith and Walk On with Jessica Smith. Wanna hear more about them?

Miami, FL – February 25, 2014 – Ever hear of anyone crowdsourcing their workouts? The two newest DVDs from fitness expert, author and popular YouTube star Jessica Smith came about from the requests she received most often from her social media followers. “Walk On: Strength & Balance” and “Barre Fitness” are available now on DVD or download from Amazon and http://jessicasmithtv.com/shop/. Because her fans asked, the DVDs were shot in real time; one take each. Just like a live class, there was no stopping to catch a breath or freshen up the makeup. Likewise there was no retouching on the packaging. The DVDs are perfect for all fitness levels. This is Smith’s second walking DVD. Her first, “Walking for Weight Loss, Wellness and Energy” has been her best seller. “Barre Fitness” draws from Smith’s years as a professional dancer and as a student with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre program at Fordham University. The two new DVDs are $14.85 each; downloads are $13.95 each. Smith’s website, http://www.jessicasmithtv.com, has been recognized as one of the best sites for free workouts by Shape.com, Glamour and MoneyCrashers.com.

“Walk On: Strength & Balance” offers the option of walking barefoot or in sneakers. It includes two 30-minute workouts. Strength & Stretch integrates high intensity interval training with strength exercises to burn calories and sculpt the entire body. Light weights are recommended but optional. Fusion Walk is a shoes-optional, endurance walk that weaves ballet, Pilates and kickboxing-inspired moves. It begins with a few minutes of easy footwork to awaken the muscles that are often ignored yet heavily relied upon when walking. Smith is joined in these workouts by her mother and a friend.

“Barre Fitness” offers three 20-minute workouts: Cardio Ballet, Barre Burn and Floor Barre. These graceful, ballet-inspired workouts tone, sculpt, stretch and challenge the whole body. Moves like passé, chasse and even the curtseys at the end of each program will be familiar to those with a ballet background. Smith will bring out the dancer even in those who have never tried ballet before. No barre is needed but light hand weights, a chair, mat and pillow or mini-ball are recommended.

Jessica Smith began her fitness career over 13 years ago after losing over 40 pounds on her own. In addition to her BA in Communications from Fordham University, Jessica has certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the International Sports and Conditioning Association, Powerhouse Pilates (in both mat & reformer method), Martial Fusion and Johnny G’s SPINNING™ Program. She currently teaches for EQUINOX Fitness Clubs in Miami. She is also the co-author (with esteemed health and fitness writer Liz Neporent) of “The Thin in 10 Weight Loss Plan” (Sunrise River Press, 2012). Recently named one of Sharecare’s “Top 10 Online Influencers,” Jessica is a monthly contributor to SHAPE.com and a regular content contributor for LIVESTRONG.com, SparkPeople.com and ivillage.com. See more at www.jessicasmith.tv, YouTube, @jessicasmithtv and 10 Pounds Down on Facebook.

Got that? So if you want to win this giveaway you must do the following (Continental United States, please!)

Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.

Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win the @jessicasmithtv DVDs from @brooklynfitchick”

I have two new online stations that have been rocking my world lately and helping me add to my playlists. Here they are:

WLIR online plays an amazing selection of alternative music from the last 30 years. Everything from the B-52s to Lorde to Depeche Mode. Now, since this is a free online station they get a little too crowded sometimes and you can’t log on. But if you, definitely try them out!

The Peak in Vancouver plays amazing alternative music plus tons of Canadian bands which are new to me and I am finding I really love.

Got that? So let’s get into to today’s playlist which consists of some old and new tunes to get you in the mood to run, cycle and workout harder. Let’s go!

Big Blue Wave:Hey Ocean!

Hey Ocean! Is a Canadian band that released this fun, frothy tune last year. Love opening up with it in my classes.

Pump It: The Black Eyed Peas

One of my students asked me recently “who wrote that Pulp Fiction smash up song?” It took me a minute to figure out what she was talking about!

Come & Get It:Selena Gomez

I just lerve this song to pieces.

Breathing Underwater: Metric

I have said the before but I need to state again how much I regret not seeing this band when they played in New York last year. Will not make that same mistake again!

Rebellion: Arcade Fire

This is one of the best songs ever to climb to or make yourself work harder. It’s fantastic!

Rebel Yell: Billy Idol

OMG this is just the greatest song in the world. How does it get better than “in the midnight hour—she cried more, more, MORE!”

American Psyco: Treble Charger

Yet another Canadian band I was unaware of until The Peak!

Family Affair: Mary J. Blige

I am dedicating this one to my friend Stacy who introduced me to badass Mary J.

Spaceman: The Killers

I like to perform high intensity sprints to this song.

Simple Life:Elton John

This is one of Elton’s lesser known 90s tunes but I love it for long climbs and the lyrics are really inspiring.

Hell:Tegan and Sarah

Hell yeah, I say!

Walk on the Wild Side:Lou Reed

This is one of those pieces of culture that inspired me to move to New York. I spent my whole life in the boring ‘burbs and I was ready to indeed walk on the wild side. (RIP Lou Reed. This city will be much less interesting without you in it.)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

I am officially off vacation mode and back to doing what I love to do—write for you lovely people! So today I bring to you my latest playlist which features some new music (and artists) mixed up with some of my favorite rock tunes to get you through your next workout. Let me know what you think of them!

What I Wouldn’t Do:Serena Ryder

Serena is a Canadian artist who is just starting to catch on here with her hit Stompa. This is her next single which I think makes for a perfect warm-up song.

Out of My League: Fitz & the Tantrums

I like this fun & quirky beat.

Recovery:Frank Turner

With a name like Frank Turner you think he would be a Chicago bluesman but this Frank Turner is an English folk/punk dude who knows how to write a catchy tune.

Stubborn Love: The Lumineers

This is one of those songs I am not sure if I love it because I hear it everywhere or if it because I think it is good—but I love it.

Tonight, Tonight: The Smashing Pumpkins

Not to date myself but I could drive all day to this song back in the 90s.

Synchronicity II : The Police

I am a HUGE Police fan and always loved this song & video but I can’t get the original video on You Tube dammit! Try this clip out instead which I pray to god includes a political ad that features Miss Bunny in it. It made my day!

Royals: Lorde

Check out this super cool video and know that this singer/songwriter is just 16 years-old! Some people complain about her being played on Alternative radio but I tell them to go to hell. Lorde rules!

All My Life: Foo Fighters

I love my Foos when the energy needs to go through the roof.

Steady As She Goes: The Raconteurs

This is for my friend Jennifer who is IN LOVE with Jack White.

Blurry: Puddle of Mudd

Ignore the fact that the singer Wes Scantlin has his issues and enjoy this old grunge one-hit wonder (Is there any more of an ignominious fate than that?)

Roar: Katy Perry

Here is the official video which I love almost as much as this song. I am not being snarky here. I LERVE this so much. But one criticism–she kind of looks like an overly glam Alanis Morissette here, no?

You’ve Got Time: Regina Spektor

Have you seen/read Orange is the New Black yet? No? Well get on it dammit!

Timeless:The Airborne Toxic Event

This is the song I think should be played at graduations everywhere.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes!!

Featuring: “Lights Versus No Lights” in the Cycling Room, “Joe Versus the Volcano” and My NOW Foods Giveaway

Plus: Bonus Kitty Video (Tuxedo Cat Enchanted by iPad App)

You can win the orange backpack filled with NOW goodies. The kitty stays here with me.

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This has been an emotional week for me with friends moving to hither and yond but I know that this is a part of life and that (thank goodness!) we live in the 21st Century so goodbyes never have to be final.

I also had a very interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a fellow instructor and tough as nails as the saying goes. She is one of those “bright lights” people and I would rather live by candlelight if I could (far more forgiving to my Dark Irish looks!)

On top of all that—I have a big orange backpack filled with stuff from the goof folks at NOW Foods who have lots of freebie samples on their Facebook page.

So let’s just dive into today’s post, shall we?

First—I am sad to say the best neighbors in the world (they have lived upstairs from me for five years) have moved to a place called Raleigh, North Carolina and while I am sure it is a nice place—I will miss them terribly and selfishly hope they make it back to Brooklyn one day!

Second—I had lunch with a friend of mine (who is also an instructor) this week and she insists that she teach her indoor cycling classes with the lights on (they are fluorescent lights) so she can see everyone and all of her students can see her. I state that I can see fine if there is an ambient light source (which there is) and that it is more pleasing for the students who often ask for the lights to be turned off during the ride.

My whole life I have had a particular hatred for fluorescent lights and think I can sum up “why” perfectly by showing this scene from one of my favorite movies of all time—Joe Versus the Volcano. (If you are really impatient-just move it to the 3:53 mark and you will see what I am talking about.)

So where on you on this debate? Do you prefer lights off or on during your indoor cycling class? I want to hear from you!

Third—this week’s giveaway! It comes from the good folks at NOW Foods and it is a groovy backpack filled with tons of goodies. (Check out this week’s video post below to see what you can possibly win.)

I am not being paid to sponsor this giveaway. (Please consult your physician about what vitamins and supplements will work best for your lifestyle.)

Here is this week’s Vlog post:

Go that? So all you need to do (Continental U.S. residents only please!) is:

Post a comment below.

Tweet out your interest to me @BrooklynFitChik and NOW Foods @NOWFoods

I will randomly pick a winner next Monday, August 5th by Noon eastern time. Good luck! Enter as often as you like!

Now for those of you who want to watch a Tuxedo kitty become fascinated by an iPad app that imitates the sound of cats—here you go! (Goodbye E—you were a great neighbor! We will all miss you!)

I have been looking for new tunes to try out in my classes and am rather happy with this playlist which mixes some newer releases with a couple of classics.

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments that will give a nice fat burn. Enjoy!

I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like):Michael Franti

I am calling this the song of summer for 2013. How much more joyful can a tune be, people?!

Mrs. Robinson: The Lemonheads

The lead singer (Evan Dando) was considered a big heartthrob in the 90s. (Oh the 90s—how I miss you!)

I Want To Take You Higher:Sly & the Family Stone

Sly Stone is famous for being something of a kook but his music totally kicks ass so who cares? (This particular clip is pretty damn amazing!)

Synthetica:Metric

I have been featuring them for weeks and for damn good reason—they write killer songs!

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

There are only two climbs in this set and this is what we play for the first one.

Let Me Entertain You:Robbie Williams

OMG—I had the biggest crush ever on this guy. Swoon!

Wakeup Call: Maroon 5

This is my favorite song of theirs.

Blister in the Sun:Violent Femmes

I have my classes do some quick “out of the saddle” runs with this one.

You Get What You Give:New Radicals

This is just about one of my favorite songs of all time and think it is perfect for this time of year—with graduations coming up and all. (The second “climb” song by the way.)

Everlong:Foo Fighters

The fighters of foo are perfect for any spin class really.

Please Don’t Leave Me: Pink

This is the sweetest & saddest love song that is set to the happiest beat–ever. I had a student leave my room in tears recently because of the lyrics! True story.

City of Blinding Lights:U2

We do some long out of the saddle runs with this song and I think it is one the best U2 have written .

Take a Picture:Filter

The singer, Richard Patrick (whom I have a big crush on,) wrote this after getting in trouble for being drunk and naked on a plane. It was just before 9/11 so people used to have more fun in the skies!

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.